Simcoe County – Thanks to a $50,000 RBC Foundation grant, a partnership between New Path Youth and Family Services (New Path) and the Gilbert Centre will support parents, families, friends, and communities when a youth comes out as queer, transgender, non-binary, or questioning.
“It’s so important for us to support the mental health needs of parents, families, friends and allies of youth who are experiencing challenges with coming out or issues around being queer or transgender,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO of New Path Youth and Family Services. “Research shows that family support increases mental health, results in better school outcomes and greatly reduces the possibility of self-harm and suicide. We are allies and proudly support the work of the Gilbert Centre within the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.”
The opportunity that RBC Foundation is providing through this grant will help New Path, the lead agency for youth and family mental health in Simcoe County, work in partnership with the Gilbert Centre. When a youth comes out, the whole family is recognized as being in transition.
“Supporting queer, transgender, non-binary, or questioning youth and transitioning families increases the family’s ability to stay together and to develop their understanding and capacity to advocate for their youth,” says Ali Tuckey, Family and Youth Program Manager at the Gilbert Centre. “Through this partnership, parents will have access to gender-affirming mental health supports and learn what supports are available to them and their youth through New Path, the Gilbert Centre, and other local social service agencies.”
Right now, in Simcoe County there is no specific, free, and specialized counselling option for parents and families who are going through this experience. This collaboration is designed to address this gap.
RBC Foundation is supporting New Path and the Gilbert Centre as they continue their support for youth as part of the RBC Future Launch program. “Only 1 in 5 youth have access to the mental health support they need.” says Randy Tredenick, RBC Regional Vice-President for Barrie and Area. “What we love about this program is that LGBTQ+ youth and their families are directed to the right support and resources when they need them most. It is just one of the ways we are helping youth prepare for their future.”
About RBC Future Launch
Supporting Youth Mental Well-being is one of the 4 pillars of RBC Future Launch – RBC’s commitment to help young Canadians succeed in an ever-changing global economy. The importance of mental well-being on a young person’s ability to achieve success and their success directly impacts the strength of our workplaces, schools and communities. RBC Future Launch is a 10-year $500 million commitment supporting 500+ community partners and organizations such as New Path and the Gilbert Centre to foster change that makes a real difference.
About the Gilbert Centre
The Gilbert Centre is a community-based, not-for-profit, charitable organization that has been providing programs and services in Simcoe Muskoka for over 25 years. The Gilbert Centre proudly celebrates the lives of people living with and affected by HIV and the individuals and families from transgender, queer, intersex, non-binary and questioning communities. The Gilbert Centre, named after founder Ed Gilbert, is the leader in Simcoe County for services and programs for transgender, queer, intersex, non-binary, intersex, and questioning families. In addition, they offer organizational assessments, professional development workshops, and consultation services to create more inclusive programs and workplaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.
About New Path Youth & Family Services
New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization. We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of innovative and timely services for children, youth and their families. We are the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.
New Path is currently offering call-in, in-person and virtual mental health services for children, youth and their families in Simcoe County. A range of free mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. Families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by calling or emailing New Path at 705-725-7656. To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook and Twitter or sign up for our TrailSigns Newsletter
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Media Contact
Dominika Zapolnik, Communications Manager
New Path Youth and Family Services
Phone: 705-627-3067
Email: dzapolnik@newpath.ca
Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services
Twitter: @NewPathYFS